Bread in a Bag

Bread in a Bag — the fun, hands-on way to make bread with basically zero equipment 🙌 Perfect for kids, classrooms, or when you just don’t want to knead on a counter.

Here’s a clear, detailed, step-by-step version.

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Bread in a Bag (Detailed Recipe)

What This Is

You mix, knead, and proof bread inside a zip-top bag, then bake it like normal bread. Less mess, same cozy bread smell 🥖

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Ingredients (Exact Amounts)

• 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
  → Warm, not hot. Too hot kills yeast.
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3–3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large zip-top bag (gallon size recommended)

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Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. Pour warm water into the zip-top bag.
2. Add yeast.
3. Add sugar.
4. Seal the bag and gently squish to mix.
5. Let sit 5–10 minutes.

✔️ You should see bubbles and foam — that means the yeast is alive.

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Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

1. Open the bag.
2. Add:
   • Vegetable oil
   • Salt
3. Seal the bag again.
4. Squish gently until fully mixed.

⚠️ Make sure salt doesn’t sit directly on yeast too long — it can slow it down.

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Step 3: Add Flour (Gradually)

1. Add 1 cup flour to the bag.
2. Seal and squish until smooth.
3. Add another 1 cup flour, squish again.
4. Add remaining flour ½ cup at a time until:
   • Dough pulls away from the bag
   • Feels soft, not sticky

💡 If sticky → add 1 tbsp flour
💡 If too dry → add a few drops of water

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Step 4: Knead in the Bag

1. Keep the bag sealed.
2. Knead by squeezing, folding, and pressing the dough through the bag.
3. Knead for 8–10 minutes.

✔️ Dough should become:

• Smooth
• Elastic
• Slightly springy when pressed

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Step 5: First Rise

1. Lightly oil the inside of the bag.
2. Place dough back inside.
3. Seal loosely (leave room for air).
4. Place bag in a warm spot.
5. Let rise 30–45 minutes, until doubled in size.

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Step 6: Shape the Bread

1. Punch down the dough (through the bag or by hand).
2. Remove from bag.
3. Shape into:
   • A loaf
   • Or small rolls
4. Place in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet.

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Step 7: Second Rise

• Cover loosely
• Let rise 20–30 minutes
• Dough should puff up again

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Step 8: Bake

• Oven temperature: 375°F (190°C)
• Bake time:
  • Loaf: 25–30 minutes
  • Rolls: 15–20 minutes

✔️ Bread is done when:

• Top is golden brown
• Sounds hollow when tapped

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Step 9: Cool & Eat

• Cool for 10 minutes
• Slice and enjoy 🧈

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Fun Variations

• Cinnamon sugar bread: Add 1 tsp cinnamon + extra sugar
• Garlic bread: Add garlic powder + herbs
• Cheese bread: Knead in shredded cheese
• Whole wheat: Replace ½ flour with whole wheat flour